Voices of Ancient Philosophy: An Introductory Reader by Julia Annas

by Julia Annas

Edited by one of the most renowned scholars in the field, Voices of Ancient An Introductory Reader is a unique and accessible introduction to the richness of ancient philosophy. Featuring a topical--as opposed to chronological--organization, this text introduces students to the wide range of approaches and traditions in ancient philosophy. In each section Annas presents the ancient debates on a particular philosophical topic, drawing on a greater diversity of ancient sources than a chronological approach allows. The book is divided into six Fate and Freedom; Reason and Emotion; Knowledge, Belief, and Skepticism; Metaphysical Questions; How Should You Live?; and Society and the State. Annas includes a generous selection of the works of Plato and Aristotle, as well as those of the Stoics, Epicureans, and Skeptics. She also includes selections from less familiar philosophers and from authors in whose works philosophical issues arise, such as poets, medical writers, historians, and Jewish and Christian writers. The volume features biographical sketches of the philosophers, a timeline, and short discussions of the major movements in ancient philosophy. An excellent text for courses in ancient philosophy and history of philosophy, Voices of Ancient An Introductory Reader will also be of interest to scholars and general readers.

Genres: Philosophy

Paperback

First published September 7, 2000

About the author

Julia Annas is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Arizona and author of several books for Oxford University Press, including An Introduction to Plato's Republic and The Morality of Happiness. She is also series editor for the Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy.

Reviews

[Gwen :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✰✰✰✰ / 5

An interesting introduction to ancient philosophical discourses and ideas. Split into topics with multiple segments from different authors, this text was a lot easier to digest than reading the entirety of the original sources. Overall I liked the format and structure of this textbook, but I wish Annas would have offered summaries and discussion for all of the segments, not just some.

my instagram // my book tiktok

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great beginners intro to classical western philosophy. Basics of Plato, Aristotle, the schools of Stoicism and Epicureanism. Annas provides commentary to summarize main points in an easy to digest way, creates sections by topic and offers some comparitive analysis between thinkers.

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good volume of the primary texts of ancient philosophy, organized by subject matter (so not appropriate for the history of ancient philosophy). It will be more easily understood and used by students and teachers with some familiarity with the ancient world and/or basic philosophical concepts, but can be used in an introductory course with additional readings or lectures. Annas' commentaries at the end of each passage are in general very good, but the translations of the passages are a bit variable in quality.

[Lillian]

I didn't read every section, but what I did read gave a great panorama of ancient philosophical thought. Thought-provoking, especially coupled with class discussions.

[Jennifer]

read large portions of this for an upper-level ancient philo class.